Spinner Ashley Giles says England, who won 11 of 13 Test matches and drew the other two in 2004, will not rest on their laurels next year.
"We haven't sat down and discussed the success we have had this year, but we are aware that we have to keep building on what we have achieved," Giles said on Friday.
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"I think it is important to remember 2004 as a good year when we look back years from now, but when you're involved in it you are still focused on wanting to make yourself better and we still know there are big challenges ahead and we are looking towards that.
"At the same time we need to build with each game and to reach our goals we need to improve step by step. At times it will be frustrating, like yesterday, and at others you will roll along and mow everyone down.
"People are always going to question us until we beat Australia. Although we are looking towards the future it is important that we have a firm focus on the next three Test matches. We need to improve our cricket here in South Africa and show them how we can really play."
Giles, who has taken 121 wickets in 42 Tests, hurt his back while batting in the first innings of the drawn second Test in Durban when he was trying to avoid a bouncer from seamer Dale Steyn.
"I actually hurt it when I came up after ducking a bouncer," he said. "The ball hit me on the forearm and as I lifted my back popped.
"At that stage we seven wickets down I had to stay out there because there was a job to do.
"I've had this kind of niggle before and it's nothing serious. I'm already back to full fitness."
With such a short turnaround time between Test matches both teams were given the day off and will celebrate New Year with friends and family.
The third Test starts at Newlands on Sunday. England lead the five-test series one-nil.
